Most students would agree that homework is a burden and it’s difficult to work up the motivation to complete more assignments at home after a full day of school.

One teacher realized this, and therefore implemented a new homework policy to take that load off of students’ shoulders.

The teacher sent home a note to parents detailing the new strategy:

“After much research this summer, I am trying something new. Homework will only consist of work that your student did not finish during the school day. There will be no formally assigned homework this year.”

“Research has been unable to prove that homework improves student performance. Rather, I ask that you spend your evenings doing things that are proven to correlate with student success. Eating dinner as a family, read together, play outside, and get your child to bed early.”

The letter has gone viral since it was shared on Facebook and later posted to Reddit. Many people are applauding this teacher for recognizing what’s really important in aiding students to reach their highest potential.

Unconventional family dynamics might make the teacher’s suggested routine difficult for some parents, but at least the stress of homework isn’t looming over their child’s head.

Several Reddit users commented on the post, reflecting on their grade school experiences when homework was mandatory and taken very seriously by teachers.

One commenter recounted a very traumatic experience from Kindergarten that is still haunting to this day:

“I have this vivid memory of being in kindergarten and the teacher passing out a homework assignment that was something like practicing writing a letter of the alphabet in upper and lower case inside dotted lines. I just started doing it when it got put on my table in front of me, and then the teacher took it and gave me a new one and said ‘Class, can you guys tell him what kind of work this is supposed to be?’ and then like half the class in unison goes ‘HOMEWORK!’ So lame.”

Others echoed similar incidents where homework was strictly for home and schoolwork was strictly for school. If that structure was not followed, they would be scolded or punished.

This teacher’s policy demonstrates flexibility and sets realistic expectations for students, which are the signs of an educator who wants their students to succeed in and out of the classroom.